Youth Brings Up the Peace Antenna at AIM

The Young Moro Professionals publicized their advocacy for peace through a round table discussion at the SGV Conference Hall, AIM Conference Center Manila on February 6, 2009. The discussion was entitled "Our Peace, Your Peace: Mindanao YSpeak, Upping the Peace Antenna".

TV personality and Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee, Karen Davila, acted as the moderator for the forum participated in by representatives from various sectors, national leaders, foundations, private sector, academe and the media. The forum is designed to translate the words of young leaders into concrete actions, and engage national leaders, media, academe and non-government organizations as partners of the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) and Mindanao Young Leaders Parliament (MYLP).

“Youth leaders express themselves so passionately! We need the energy, imagination, and idealism of the youth -- Muslim or non-Muslim. Old paradigms lead us nowhere. They should show their values in action, show their highest ethics, and show what Islam really represents. The Institute will heighten its commitment to bridge the divide,” according to AIM President Francis G. Estrada.

Other comments from the forum participants include:

“Here in AIM, we have always promoted an Islamic perspective. Peace means a lot of people setting aside their differences. We need to get people do things together, so the more we do this, the more we realize that we have similarities and move forward from there.” -Professor Jun Borromeo, AIM Faculty

“If it doesn’t work the first time, try other avenues. This is your country.” – H.E. Kristie Kenny, US Ambassador to the Philippines

“Peace and Development is long overdue. Young Moro Professionals can help.” - Sec. Avelino “Sonny” Razon, Jr., Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP)

“We need effective communication. Young Moro Professionals are inspiration, living proof…” – Christopher Wright, British Embassy

“I encourage young people to support their advocacy for peace.” – Diether Ocampo, KIDS Foundation